ISRO Set to Launch EOS-N1 Satellite: What to Expect from India's First Mission of 2026

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the launch of the EOS-N1 satellite aboard the PSLV-C62 rocket on January 12, 2026. This mission aims to enhance India's remote sensing capabilities across various sectors, including agriculture and environmental monitoring. With 15 co-passenger payloads, including a prototype re-entry vehicle from a Spanish startup, this launch promises to be significant. The PSLV-C62 mission will mark the 64th flight of the PSLV series, known for its successful past missions. Read on to learn more about what to expect from this exciting launch.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 8, 2026, 18:03 IST

Upcoming Launch of EOS-N1 Satellite

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite aboard the PSLV-C62 rocket on January 12, marking the inaugural mission of 2026.

Known as Anvesha, the EOS-N1 satellite aims to bolster India's remote sensing capabilities, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

ISRO has confirmed that the integration of the satellite with the launch vehicle is complete, and pre-launch checks are currently underway. The PSLV-C62 mission is scheduled to lift off at 10:17 AM from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

This mission will also deploy 15 co-passenger payloads, highlighting its significance as a multi-satellite launch.

Additionally, the PSLV-C62 mission will showcase the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) from a Spanish startup, which is a prototype of a re-entry vehicle currently in development.

The KID will be the last payload to be deployed, after which it will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, aiming for a splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean.

The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission represents the 9th dedicated commercial launch by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm.

This launch will mark the 64th flight of the PSLV, and it will be the fifth mission utilizing the PSLV-DL variant, which includes two solid strap-on boosters.

To date, PSLV has successfully completed 63 flights, including landmark missions such as Chandrayaan-1, the Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1, and Astrosat. Notably, in 2017, PSLV set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission.

Earlier this year, ISRO conducted its 101st launch with the PSLV-C61 mission, deploying the 1,696 kg EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite into a 505 km Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit. Although the initial phases of the flight proceeded as planned, a technical issue in the rocket's third stage hindered the mission from achieving its target orbit.